It seems like a lot of my more urban images score far lower than I'd imagine they would. My latest pic, "Directions" stands at 29. Others range from 20's to 40's. Is it that this style of photography is just simply unpopular (here)?

Seeking critical opinions, and serious feedback please.

Thanks

Hi Rob - personal opinion - Directions has too much going on, so much in fact that all the pieces become distractions rather than part of a cohesive whole. The individual elements are very interesting - the light trails, the construction barriers in front of the sleek building, and the signs that basically tell you to stand still because you're not allowed to go anywhere. Like the individual elements and think that focusing on any 2 out of the 3 would leave you with a more accessible image.

Benches works in the main, but has a distractor in that for a shot set up to show symmetry, the random unsymmetrical bench in the right middleground throws it off. Duplicating either side to the other to create the visual balance might help (I'd personally go for duplicating the open side to create more visual focus on straight down the line).

I apologize if I'm less than tactful right now, I'm still trying to make my brain work.

No, I was seeking frankness without any artificial sweeteners. Thanks for the feedback.

Salūtātiō!

Benches I already gave a few words on.

Distractions I have not commented or voted on. I think the current mark is way below what I would have voted.
Although a clever image I find it confusing and it lives up to its title, so I guess it does what you intended. I also think there are too many elements in it (to my eyes anyway). I tried CROPPING IT which I thought made it more focused on the opposing arrows, but I still would not like it on my desktop,sorry. I am confused enough.

Hmm. The title is "Directions", and while it was not meant to confuse, it was intended to showcase a confusing, or at least busy, signage. The many elements were, in fact part of the intended composition, hence the name.

Thanks just the same for the input. Definitely lends more insight into the reception of this image.

Wellll ... I happened to have and do, like "Directions".

Think it might be simply rest in the fact that it is an abstract image, to address your query.

"Benches"? Tonalities are very good. The tint or photo filter works for me as well. I do, however, agree with some of the observations made in the above posts.

As in, a crop or perhaps, more appropriately ... in my humble opinion ... a portrait presentation would serve to bring more focus to the symmetry you captured.

Some more play with the DOF might deal with any background issues that are not readily apparent with the perspective you've presented us with ... that might exist above the extent of the vertical.

If I had to nitpick ... the three white light standards or poles ... seem more amiss in the shot than the 'errant' (using that word loosely here) benches off to the sides. Those benches don't distract my eye as much and I can accept them as being part of the setting.

Ok, I'll through my 2 cents worth in. I personally believe you were closer to the truth in your initial statement, Rob. While all of the comments above are well stated and well taken, I really don't believe it would increase the score by more than say 10 points. I notice the same bias many times to B&W's. For example, check out the difference in score here and here. They are basically the same shot, one in color one in B&W and there is huge difference in the score. I'll probably get a good arguement going now, but it seems if you want a good score it better have an unusual animal, dramatic sky, or a vibrant flower in it. Just mho.

Rich

Most people don't really look at an image, in MHO. If they have to think about it, that's too much effort. To those who spend more than 5 seconds before voting or commenting, they might see the different levels, motion and light that makes this photo so much more than a snap.

"Hmm. The title is "Directions""

I only just caught up with this - belated apologies for my mistake.
I was distracted at the time by 'Directions"!